Cover Aerial view of Institut Le Rosey, a prestigious royal school in Switzerland, known for its distinctive educational philosophy
Aerial view of Institut Le Rosey, a prestigious royal school in Switzerland, known for its distinctive educational philosophy
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For those in the upper echelons of society, the choice of school for their children is rarely based on cost alone. What matters more is the educational philosophy, unique, challenging, and often unlike anything found elsewhere.
Beyond opulent villas, rare automobiles, and wardrobes curated by the finest couture houses, enrolling children in educational institutions that offer rarefied, visionary approaches to learning is considered one of the most meaningful investments among the world’s elite that reflects legacy, aspiration and long-term influence.
At these extraordinary schools, pupils receive more than just a top-tier education. They enter a cultivated environment designed to foster critical thinking, creativity and confidence. Just as importantly, they form lifelong bonds with future captains of industry, heads of state and cultural tastemakers. Here, students develop not only intellect and skill, but also the habits, values and global perspective that define true leadership.
Deep Springs College (USA): Cultivating intellect and resilience on the ranch
Founded in 1917, Deep Springs College is an experimental institution tucked away in the Californian desert. Its two-year programme is designed to provide an extraordinary experience that strengthens intellect, builds physical endurance and nurtures courage. It has long been recognised as a cradle of talent, producing leaders across diverse global arenas.
Each cohort comprises around 26 to 30 students living on an isolated campus that mirrors a working cattle ranch. In addition to attending two or three academic seminars led by a rotating panel of professors, students are expected to commit 20 hours per week to hands-on work, from labouring in the fields and tending livestock to administrative tasks. The college also grants students the autonomy to shape their own curriculum and select their tutors and subjects.
Institut Le Rosey (Switzerland): A holistic vision for tomorrow’s global elite
Switzerland’s Institut Le Rosey holds the distinction of being the oldest international boarding school in the country. It draws the children of aristocrats, business magnates and global leaders, and gaining admission is fiercely competitive.
Known colloquially as “The School of Kings,” Le Rosey boasts an impressive list of alumni including King Juan Carlos of Spain, King Fuad II of Egypt, Prince Rainier of Monaco and King Albert II of Belgium. For many noble families, attending Le Rosey is a tradition passed down through generations, offering not just academic excellence but also a lifelong network among the world’s most powerful circles.
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The school spans two campuses. The main campus, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, is home to swimming pools, tennis courts, a private yacht, a shooting range and a grand concert hall. During the winter months, students relocate to the Gstaad campus, where alpine pursuits such as skiing and tobogganing become part of the curriculum.
Green School Bali (Indonesia): Learning to live—and lead—sustainably
Established in 2008 by entrepreneur and environmentalist John Hardy, Green School Bali sits amid the tropical beauty of Ubud.
This trailblazing institution runs entirely on renewable energy, thanks to an ambitious mix of solar panels and a hydroelectric plant along the Ayung River. It goes further still with eco-conscious initiatives that include composting toilets, reduced water usage and the creative reuse of materials throughout campus life.
Green School Bali is more than just a place of learning, it is a living, breathing model of sustainable education, inspiring students to create tangible environmental change.
In addition to its environmental ethos, Green School Bali places strong emphasis on student happiness and mental wellbeing, valuing these over academic pressure or numerical grades. The curriculum is designed to encourage practical applications of sustainable thinking across diverse disciplines. At the culmination of their studies, Year 12 students present their capstone projects in the style of TED Talks, an approach that fosters both engagement and emotional resonance.
Hurtwood House School (UK): Where the world’s most captivating artists are nurtured
Tucked away in the picturesque Surrey Hills since the 1970s, Hurtwood House School has long attracted those drawn to the creative arts. Its alumni include the award-winning actress Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada, A Quiet Place) and legendary composer Hans Zimmer, whose work spans Dune, No Time to Die and F1: The Movie.
With sleek facilities and cutting-edge equipment, Hurtwood House is a haven for aspiring talents in film, photography, and musical theatre. The school boasts a professional-grade studio outfitted for everything from filming and staging to post-production.
Its strength in Media Studies is notable, with a reported 93% of students attaining A grades in June 2024. What sets the school apart is its broad curriculum, offering students the freedom to explore personal artistic interests through independently led projects.
KAIST (Korea): A leading light in science and technology education
Founded in 1971, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology—known simply as KAIST—is Korea’s foremost institution for research-driven learning in science and technology. Consistently ranked among the top universities globally, KAIST offers students unparalleled access to collaborative opportunities with world-renowned tech firms both at home and abroad.
Its main campus, situated in Daejeon, is surrounded by research hubs and high-tech companies. Facilities include a high-tech library and multipurpose rooms designed to support innovation and creativity. Beyond academics, KAIST encourages student-led clubs and extracurricular pursuits to create a balanced, enriching university life.
Learn more: Some remarkable insights on KAIST, the school that appointed G-Dragon as ‘special professor’
KAIST also provides an array of scholarships to promote advanced research across disciplines. One such initiative is the EPSS (Educational Program for Samsung Semiconductor), a partnership with Samsung that offers full tuition coverage and a monthly stipend ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 for students in artificial intelligence. The programme includes research funding, internship opportunities and the prospect of joining Samsung Electronics upon graduation.
